Mechanical Engineer vs Pipeline Engineer

Side-by-side career comparison in oil & gas

	Mechanical Engineer	Pipeline Engineer
Average Salary	$87,357 - $125,066	$85,932 - $125,040
BLS Median	$95,300 (BLS median)	N/A
Open Positions	35	6
Education	B.S. in Mechanical Engineering	B.S. in Mechanical or Civil Engineering
Key Certifications	PE License FE/EIT	PE License API 1169 Pipeline Construction Inspector
Top Skills	excel drilling completions artificial lift hydraulic fracturing Mechanical Engineering Process Chemical Industry PFDs	excel Project Management Pipeline Design Pipeline Integrity Reliability Engineering Optimization Techniques Oil and Gas Industry Knowledge Facilities Engineering
Top Hiring Companies	NOV (3) Kiewit (2) Acteon Group Ltd. (1) Kiewit Corporation (1) Engtal (1)	Gulf Interstate (2) Gulf Companies (1) Crescent Energy (1) TRC Companies, Inc. (1) ONWARD RESOURCES LLC (1)
Experience Levels	Student: 3, Senior Level: 6, Entry Level: 25, Mid Level: 1	Entry Level: 3, Mid Level: 1, Senior Level: 2
Career Path	Entry Level → Mid Level → Senior → Lead/Principal View full career path →	Entry Level → Mid Level → Senior → Lead/Principal View full career path →

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